Catherine-Ann / Pure-Grace

Apr. 1, 2022

A LOT OF LOVE & JOY PACKED INTO OUR 4 DAY ADVENTURE!

Thursday, March 31, 2022

8:57 PM

Hello. Wow! I'm still buzzing, after leaving Quesnel at 7:30 a.m., arriving home 12 hrs. later with a few adventures along the way.

   For a while, Larry & I have been thinking about a trip to Williams Lk to visit with our Aunt Rosie (Mom B's sister), who has had some very challenging health issues, and cousin Laurie, her daughter. On my side of the family, there are several cousins in Quesnel & Prince George. My very dear cousin, Jeannette, has had more than her share of yucky health issues and recently has not been well at all. Thinking of Jeannette, only being an hour & a bit past Rosie & Laurie's, we knew we would have to include a visit to her on our trip to the Cariboo. Then… there are my 2 wonderful Aunties, who have been hoping, (along with Jeannette) for ages, that they would be able to travel to see each other. So, all the puzzle pieces just fell into place.  The ecstatic joy of Aunts Anita & Claudia, when we invited them, was so incredible, and then, Jeannette's on the other end, well it was a 'match made in heaven' for sure.

  Out of four days away, two would be travelling, leaving two for visiting. As unwell as Jeannette was, she was as gracious as ever, along with her lovely hubby Jack. Jeannette's son & his wife, made sure we were well taken care of to be sure we'd have a good visit. And so we did. We're all a bunch of marshmallows and giggle Gerties. I describe our hugs as 2 wet sponges, squeezing each other. Remembering together our lives full of great affection, family traditions and those who have gone before us, is so natural and heart 'filling'. My 2 aunts, Jeannette and her sister Therese (who passed away last fall), were all born withing a 4 year period. To hear about and witness their beautiful relationships over a life time, is one of the greatest examples I've ever known of sisterly friendship. What they share is so inspiring.

  That evening, we got a surprise visit from our niece, Emily drove down from Prince George. More love shared, once again. The following morning Larry & I went to Wms. Lk. To visit his aunt & cousin. We packed in so much visiting in just a few hours. You might call it a power visit. We enjoyed our time together, over a wonderful lunch, and left with presents (as usual). I borrowed a sweater while I was there. Laurie said 'You like it? It's yours!" That's Laurie, always so generous.

  While we were in Wms. Lk, the aunts visited with Jeannette for a while, thanks to cousin Kenny. So beautiful to visit, so hard to say 'Good bye!'

  While back at the hotel, Aunties had an unexpected visit from another niece. A great surprise.  When we got back, we went to another cousins for an amazing meal. Danny & Lonnie are both so sweet and hospitable. Their house is right on a lake, so Larry enjoyed the 'fish talk' with Danny.

  We left Quesnel at 7:30 this a.m. Beautiful billowy clouds & blue sky. A little snow, just enough to be pretty and not messy. Met with my cousin's daughter and 5 of her lovely children, who we met for the first time. Instant bonding. It was fun to see these 8 to 14 year olds interact with their 'great aunties'. That opportunity for this visit, just came up last night, so it added more fun & excitement to our journey home. 

  On the drive we prayed a bit, then Larry turned on the 50's radio channel. Oh, oh! Singing, bopping & jiving in the back seat. Sooooo entertainingly energetic. We grabbed a bite when we got back, then dropped the aunties off. All tired, but a 'really good' tired.

  If you don't have family to share these sorts of experiences with, I'm happy to share mine with you.

God bless you! xoxo